Although smog formation is not limited to the Los Angeles basin, the problem in that area is serious, and as a result in November, 1953, the Air Pollution Foundation was incorporated. This nonprofit organization supports scientific research and cooperates with the public and other agencies in learning the facts about smog. It is in no sense an enforcement agency but makes the results of its studies available to such agencies. Furthemore, it does not duplicate services already rendered by other agencies, governmental or private.

It is now possible to differentiate between smog and air pollution. Smog irritates the eyes and damages plants, but on some days, when the amount of atmospheric pollution is comparable as judged by reduction in visibility and air movement is apparently at a standstill, these effects are absent. The reason is thought to be a difference in concentration of certain pollutants, but the nature of this